Jericho-Syosset News Journal (3/29/24)

Town encourages restaurants to offer outdoor dining

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it will waive all fees to encourage restaurants to offer outdoor dining opportunities throughout 2024. Prior to the global pandemic, outdoor dining was limited and required establishments to pay fees and obtain certain approvals from the Department of Planning and Development. That is once again not necessary for 2024.

Town Supervisor Joseph

Saladino said, “We’ve cut red tape and eliminated fees to encourage restaurants to offer outdoor dining throughout 2024. Street-side dining is a great way for restaurants to bring the food and ambiance closer to potential customers walking by, which can inspire more spur-of-the-moment walk-ins and support our downtown businesses.”

“Outdoor dining has become a preferred choice for many

residents seeking a unique and refreshing experience in their own downtown. We’re happy to keep this trend going while supporting local businesses that invested in outside tents, heaters and covers over the past few years so that customers can enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors while dining locally,” added Town Clerk Richard LaMarca.

Town awarded grant for pickleball courts

New pickleball courts will be coming soon to Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, the Town of Oyster Bay announced this week. Due to popular demand, the Town is constructing two new pickleball courts in the park with the assistance of $75,000 in New York State grant funds secured by Assemblyman Blumencranz.

“Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s become incredibly popular in our Town, with seniors and families playing daily at our existing courts,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Due to this popular demand, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is building new pickleball courts for all residents to enjoy.”

Pickleball is played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball and can include two, three, or four players. The dimensions and

See page 11

Girl Scouts honor Jericho resident for leadership

Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) recently held its third annual Legacy Brunch on Friday, March 15 at The Heritage Club in Farmingdale. The event honored Allie McCormick of Jericho among four other Girl Scout champions who are making an impact in their community. This event brought together generations of Girl Scouts and their supporters to celebrate the impact the organization has had over the last 112 years. All proceeds from the event are going toward ensuring all girls have the opportunity to fully experience Girl Scouts and continuing the legacy of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

“112 years ago, Juliette Gordon Low started building her legacy for the girls of America when she started the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia. It has since developed into a leadership experience that builds courage, confidence, and character, and blazes trails and redefines what’s possible for girls everywhere," said Rande

See page 11

Members of the Oyster Bay Town Board announced that the town will waive fees for restaurants that want to offer outdoor dining during 2024.

Pick a Reading Partner at OCR School

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email:

Surreptitious recording?

To the Editor:

Several weeks ago, a community member informed me that a Jericho Central Office administrator surreptitiously recorded a private conversation – of which that administrator had no part – between me and a Jericho high school student following our February Board meeting.  I do not know this administrator’s intent in doing this.  I do not know if this administrator was acting on the suggestion or at the direction of someone more senior, or on their own volition.  I do not know exactly how long this administrator has been taping me, but I do know that a brief recording from 12 months ago was recently circulated by this person.  As you can imagine, I was disgusted by this behavior, particularly as it impacted a Jericho high school student.  Unfortunately, I could not be entirely surprised.

As a School Board trustee for the past 32 months, I have at times disagreed with the administration on governance and accountability and other concerns; that is no secret.  Raising troubling issues and asking uncomfortable questions of the administration is a Board member’s responsibility and, on this Board, it is a role that I am most often expected and forced to perform.  This does not make me the most popular person in the room.

However, I never imagined that such unscrupulous actions by an administrator would be the consequence of my fulfilling my Board duties.  I never

expected covert third-party recordings, a violation of trust and ethics, if not also District policy and possibly New York State law, would be the result.  If these recordings are another attempt to “muzzle” me and stop me from vigorously representing the interests of Jericho residents, it will fail.

To the dozens of parents, students and yes, teachers who have spoken with me privately about an issue or concern, on the promise that it remains confidential – I apologize if our conversation or your identity has been compromised by this Jericho administrator’s dishonest third-party recording.  Now that I am aware of the problem, I will work hard to ensure that any discussion –whether after Board or PTA meetings, at school sports or other District events – is not conducted in proximity to any Jericho administrators.  If these recordings are an attempt to deter community members – residents, parents, students, teachers – from discussing with me their issues and concerns, I am hopeful it will fail.

I do not believe this administrator’s underhanded behavior is consistent with the principles and culture of the Jericho School District and I certainly expect it is not representative of the values the district instills in our students.  As a School Board trustee and as a parent of three current students, I will continue to work to ensure this remains true.

Sam Perlman, Jericho School Board Trustee

Mammography van to be at POB Library

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) will be partnering with NuHealth and the Breast Imaging Center at Nassau University Medical Center to bring the breast cancer screening van to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library from 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on

Thursday, April 18.

Mammograms will be made available to asymptomatic women over the age of 40 who do not have implants and are not breastfeeding or pregnant. Appointments include a breast exam from a nurse, a mammography, and self-examination instructions.

Appointments are required, and women who do not have insurance

may be eligible for free mammograms through the Cancer Services Program. Women with health insurance may be required to make a copayment. Patients who have gone more than a year since their last mammogram will be required to get a prescription from their doctor (if they have insurance) and provide any past films (if available). Photo ID and an insurance card (if available) are required.

For more information and to make an appointment, contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov.

The Library is located at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview.

Photo

Town honors seniors for

work

the ecological diversity and sustain pollinator

such as bees and butterflies.Among those honored were Riya Saha and Ankur Raghavan

Bethpage High School and Nishanth Naveen, Shreya Vasudevan , Dylan Benedictus and Samyukhtha

The

by Superintendent David Schneider and High

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (front row, sixth from left) and his colleagues on the Town Board recently recognized students from Bethpage and Syosset High Schools for advancing an environmental initiative known as ReWild Long Island, a native planting project supporting sustainable landscaping, biodiversity and climate resilience. The students researched native Long Island plants and built 5x5 gardens throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties to increase

species

from

Arun Kumar from Syosset High School.

students were joined

School Principal Nicholas Jantz of the Bethpage School District and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers of the Syosset School District.

Students honored at Hicksville BOE meeting

At the March 20 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ted Fulton highlighted several Hicksville students.

To start, the superintendent recognized Alexandra LaPlaca for recently receiving the 2024 Nassau BOCES George Farber Student Award. This award recognizes outstanding students and is given in memory of former Nassau BOCES Board President George Farber, whose passion for improving the lives of students was surpassed only by his love and care for them.

Alexandra will soon graduate in

the top 11% of this year’s graduating class with a 98 GPA. She has been challenging herself with five AP classes, and 10 honors classes throughout her time at Hicksville. She has also studied American Sign Language, offered at Hicksville, which is one of her passions in life. Even with her difficult course load, Alexandra was determined to study at the Long Island High School for the Arts where she continues studying another true passion, dance.

As an accomplished dancer, she has countless accomplishments and awards that she has received. Alexandra has

a career goal of teaching and plans to combine her two passions, by teaching dance to deaf students and children.

Next, eight Hicksville High School students Raven Canzoneri, Brian Jaco, David Lee, Labdhi Masaliya, Miguel Ortiz, Anisa Ruiz, Kimberly Widjaja and Jennie Zhang were recognized for being selected to exhibit their artwork at Heckscher Museum as part of Long Island's Best Young Artists Competition 2024.

In its 28th year, Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum is the only juried exhibition

on Long Island that offers high school students the opportunity to show their work in a museum. Each year, students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to create a work of art inspired by artwork shown in the Museum during the school year and submit to this prestigious juried exhibition. Hundreds of works of art are submitted from schools across Nassau and Suffolk counties and approximately 80 are chosen for display in the exhibition.

Town launches pet food, supplies partnership with LI Cares

The Town of Oyster Bay will once again host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with Long Island Cares. The drive will take place from March 1 to March 31 with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

“Unfortunately, many pets are often-

times placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over one million pounds of pet food,

all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

“These pet food and supply donation drives can help countless animals stay at home with their loved ones,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “The Town is proud to once again partner with Long Island Cares for this important cause.”

Those interested in supporting the Town’s Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located at both Town Hall offic-

es, including Town Hall North at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South at 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa, during regular business hours.

Town Hall locations are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  For more information, visit www.licares.org or call the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.

LI Best students pictured with (left to right) Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Jennie Zhang, Brian Jaco, David Lee, Raven Canzoneri, Kimberly Widjaja, Miguel Ortiz, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton and Anisa Ruiz.

Missing from photo: Labdhi Masaliya

Alexandra LaPlaca recently received the 2024 Nassau BOCES George Farber Student Award. She is pictured with Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Linda Imbriale on the left, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton in the center and family members Anne Marie LaPlaca-DonLon, Frankie LaPlaca, Carmen LaPlace and Frank LaPlaca.

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

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SHS principal’s podcast celebrates 200th episode

Dr. John Durante, principal of Syosset High School.

On April 10, “The College Admissions Process Podcast” will reach a significant milestone with its 200th episode. In this much anticipated installment, Dr. John Durante, principal of Syosset High School, sits down with Rick Clark, assistant vice provost & executive director of admission at Georgia Tech University, to delve into “The Truth About College Admission,” the title of Clark’s acclaimed book and the focus of their conversation.

Dr. John Durante, the longtime principal of Syosset High School, has taken steps in transforming the college admissions process for students and parents alike.  Having experienced the stressful college application journey with his own daughters, Dr. Durante recognized the need for a comprehensive resource that would empower families with insights and advice straight from the people who ultimately make the decisions, the college admission professionals.  This realization prompted him to create “The College Admissions Process Podcast,” a platform that offers unprecedented access to interviews with admission counselors from some of the best colleges and universities.

Since its inception in February 2022, “The College Admissions Process Podcast” has been instrumental in equipping students and parents with invaluable firsthand knowledge about navigating the complexities of college admissions. Dr. Durante’s vision was to bridge the information gap and provide families with direct access to the very individuals who make critical admissions decisions.

Dr. Durante’s motivation for launching the podcast stemmed from his personal experiences as a parent guiding his daughters through the college application process. Witnessing firsthand the stress and challenges that accompany this crucial period, he recognized the significance of having access to college admissions representatives. These encounters revealed the accessibility of admissions professionals and sparked the idea of recording interviews with them, presenting it in the form of a podcast accessible to students and parents on demand.

“During my own journey as a parent helping my daughters with the college process, I discovered the tremendous value of connecting with college admissions representatives,” said Dr. Durante. “It became evident that providing students and parents with the opportunity to hear directly from these experts could significantly alleviate the pressures of college admissions, while helping them to be better informed and come up with their own follow-up questions for when they meet with college admissions representatives themselves.”

“The College Admissions Process Podcast” has quickly become an invaluable resource, offering students and parents a virtual college fair experience.  Dr. Durante’s dedication to providing relevant, up-to-date content ensures that students and parents stay informed about evolving trends and expectations in college admissions.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Wednesday, April 3

10:30 a.m.: 1, 2, 3, Full Steam Ahead (18 Months–5 Years Old) - This preschool STEAM program includes music movement, fine and gross motor development and storytelling followed by a craft!

7 p.m.: IN-PERSON: Protecting Your Assets and Your Loved Ones with Cheryl Fratello, Esq. & Rachel Katz, Esq. from Fratello Law - Learn

about wills, trusts, power of attorney, healthcare directives and more in this program designed to give you the knowledge to plan for you  and your family’s future.  Gain insights into reducing tax burdens and understand strategies to protect and preserve your assets.  Bring your questions!

Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/month Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Thursday, March 28, at 2:00 p.m.

The Grandly Irrepressible Maggie Smith (IN-PERSON)

Maggie Smith is one of the most famous and distinguished actresses, noted for her poignancy and wit in comic roles. She has received two Academy Awards, a Tony award, four Emmy Awards, is a Dame Commander of the British Empire as well as Companion of Honour. She has had a varied career spanning 68 years. This talk will explore her life and career, showcasing one of the most remarkable actresses of our time.

Monday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m.

Eclipses: The Dance Between Earth Moon, and Sun (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Cradle of Aviation Museum

Join us as we delve into the fascinating phenomenon of solar eclipses. You’ll go on a journey through the science, history, and cultural significance of these rare celestial events. Gain insights into the various types of solar eclipses and their global significance. Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, April 4, at 2:00 p.m.

The Classroom and the Constitution (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, and retired NYPD detective

The difficulty in preserving individ-

Attention students!

ual liberty while providing a safe and productive learning environment has produced decades of legal action in an attempt to find the balance between these sometimes-opposing objectives. In this lecture controversies and Supreme Court decisions are analyzed as a way to comprehend the application of the Constitution in our schools. No registration needed.

Thursday, April 4, at 7:00 p.m.

Mystery Fiction Writing Workshop –Motives and Misdirection (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Erin Coughlin, award nominated writer and producer and author of “Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide”

In this interactive writing workshop, you’ll get to participate in writing prompts, exercises and games that will help you create a gripping mystery novel or screenplay. Learn the writing tricks you need to create clues and a cast of suspects that will misdirect your sleuth and readers/audience. Writers of all mediums are welcome! Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, April 5, at 1:30 p.m.

Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

“Every time I expected to encounter bureaucracy, I actually encountered a person.”

—John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park

John Riley loves comic books. For the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old. And we’ve been with John every step of the way, helping plan improvements ranging from upgrading LED lighting to replacing a 50-year-old oil tank with a super-efficient heat pump. These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.

Supporting all our local small businesses on National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, and every day. psegliny.com/business

Levittown Chamber welcomes new member

The Levittown Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Jonathan Amaya from Amstruction Design LLC located in Levittown. Amstruction Design specializes in residential kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and painting. Jonathan is a general contractor who prides himself on reliable, professional service with keeping to customers budgets.The Levittown Chamber of Commerce meets every third Wednesday of the month, alternating between lunch and dinner meetings for busy professional. Call 516-520-8000 or visit levittownchamber.com for information on meetings and events.

HHS seniors named Natl. Merit Finalists

Toddler Sports Program for Spring 2024

The Town of Oyster Bay's Toddler Sports Program will return this spring, beginning April 1. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Town Councilman Louis Imbroto. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the oppor -

tunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins April 1 and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and

• Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 11

a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal on March 4, at 9:00 a.m. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver

is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call  (516) 797-7945.

Hicksville High School seniors (left to right) Sidhh Agarwal and Jack Beaudette were named finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are pictured with Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams and their guidance counselor Karen Felber. The two are among 15,000 students to earn the Finalist title. They will find out later this spring if they will be presented with a National Merit Scholarship Award.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Photo by Tara Cassano

Read Across America Virtual Event connects staff, students

The Hicksville Congress of Teachers hosted its annual Read Across America Virtual Event on March 8. Lead by Hicksville High School librarian Christine Anderson, the annual event is held in the high school library and via Google Meet, teachers, district administrators and board of education members read a selection of children ’ s books to the seven elementary schools.

This year, more than 111 classes joined in on the virtual event that took place throughout the day with a total of 33 guest readers participating. Special guest readers included: members of the Hicksville

Board of Education, Vice President Sunita Manjrekar, Secretary Linda Imbriale and Trustee Irene Carlomusto; District Administrators Superintendent Dr. Ted Fulton, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Melissa Corbett, and Department Supervisors Mr. Brendan McGowan and Dr. Bryan Sarandrea alongside many high school teachers. Volunteers read from a diverse selection of picture books, including a series of books read in both English and Spanish for the bilingual elementary school students.

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton was a guest reader for this year’s virtual Read Across America celebration.

Town hiring assistants for summer youth program

The Town of Oyster Bay has openings available for tennis assistants in the Youth Tennis Program, held this summer at local Town parks. Those interested must be 16 years of age or older to apply.

“This fun summer job is ideal for

a tennis-loving community teen 16 or older looking to build their resume,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto.

“Town tennis assistants have a lot of fun while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Tennis assistants must be 16 or older and have at least 1–2 years of experience participating on a tennis team. Tennis assistants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs Mondays through Thursdays, July 1 through August 15, between the hours of 3:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For more information, prospective applicants should contact Town of Oyster Bay Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.

Love to write?

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Irene Carlomusto read to Hicksville elementary students as part of this year’s virtual reading event.

Hicksville Congress of Teachers coordinated their annual Read Across America Virtual Event.

Front row (left to right): English teacher Diane Newcombe-Lypen, social studies teachers Kelly Minot, Kelly O’Brienn and Lauren Cardello, English teacher Eva Shtein, social studies teacher Kathleen Farrell and High School librarian Christine Anderson.

Hicksville

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of ORGANIC POWER. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/12/2024. Office location: Nassau County.

SSNYdesignated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to ABDUL REHMAN: 280 MILL ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY, 11581. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

STATE OF NEW YORK

SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, v.

ROBERT J. AQUINO, ET AL, Defendants.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on August 16, 2019, I, Audra A. Divone, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on April 16, 2024 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, at 2:00PM the premises described as follows:

2 Copperfield Lane Old Brookville, NY 11545 22- K -02300

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Incorporated Village of Old Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 003205/2016 in the amount of $1,264,633.47 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff

500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604

Tel.: 855-227-5072

BHS sophomore pens winning essay

Bethpage High School sophomore Anderson Maziero (middle) earned the second place Best Essay Award in Stony Brook University’s 19th annual Japan Center Essay Competition. Pictured with Director of Literacy & English Language Arts Valerie Filbry (left) and Bethpage High

Sophomore Anderson Maziero from Bethpage High School recently took home the second place Best Essay Award in Stony Brook University’s 19th annual Japan Center Essay Competition. He was recognized for his essay submission, “The Sound of Drums Behind a Stage.” The essay competition was sponsored by Canon U.S.A. and challenged students to think outside the box and find a connection to Japanese

culture in their life.

In Maziero’s winning essay, he spoke about his family’s Japanese culture and how music has been a way for him to celebrate Japanese art. More specifically, he shared that his family created their own taiko group, Umisora Taiko, which led to him discovering his passion for music and performing. Maziero wrote, “Growing this second family of taiko drummers has brought a new world

view into perspective. Seeing my hopes, dreams, and aspirations so clearly. Never could this have happened without that burst of energy that the art and culture of Japan gave me.”

As the second place winner, Maziero has been invited to an awards ceremony on April 20 at the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University where he will formally be recognized. He will also be awarded $1,500 and receive a Canon product.

School Principal Nicholas Jantz (right).

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Girl Scouts honor Jericho resident for leadership

From page 1

Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Girl Scout Volunteers like Allie McCormick are making a lasting impact and helping shape the future of Girl Scouts for the next generation of girls through their service and dedication to Girl Scouts of Nassau County. The Legacy Brunch honors those individuals believe in the Girl Scout mission and are going above and beyond to impact their communities.”

The Impact Award recognizes emerging leaders under 40 who are currently giving back and making contributions to the Girl Scout mission and the larger Nassau County community. These emerging leaders represent the future of leadership in Nassau County.

A Girl Scout of 12 years, Allie McCormick has earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards from Girl Scouts and established her legacy within the organization. She has served on the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Board, the Girl Leadership Committee and served as a national delegate representing Girl Scouts of Nassau County at the 2023 Girl Scout National Council Session, provid-

Allie McCormick

ing the girl perspective on DEI issues within the organization as only youth member of the DEI resource team for Girl Scouts of the USA. She currently studies at Washington College, pursuing a degree in both music and psychology, with aspirations to earn her master’s and doctorate in music therapy.

Town awarded grant for pickleball courts

From page 1

layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court. Rules of the game are somewhat similar to tennis.

“Pickleball is a very fun, social and healthy activity for the whole family and these new courts will be a welcome addition to the community. So,

grab your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest growing sports at the new courts in Plainview-Old Bethpage this spring!” added New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz.

New pickleball courts in Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park are anticipated to open by May 1.

Jericho Hall of Fame induction on April 4

The 32th Annual Jericho Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m. All are invited.

Inductees and year of graduation

• Jordon Cita - Professional soccer player for the Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and NY Red Bulls; 2000

• Keith Horn - Financial exec-

utive, advisor and mentor to organizations; 1976

• Randye Ringler - Trailblazing women’s sports executive for the NY Mets and Arena Football League; 1972

• Andrew Sausmer - Jericho volunteer firefighter, community advocate, humanitarian; 1979

Lifeguard jobs available at Town of Oyster Bay pools, beaches

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it has lifeguard employment opportunities at Town Pools and Beaches throughout the Town. Opportunities for this summer once again include a competitive starting salary of up to $18 per hour for all lifeguards, as well as openings for 15-year olds at community pools.

“From having the opportunity to work at one of the Town’s fantastic summer facilities and building confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills, to making new friends and helping others, working as a lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs around,” Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Our lifeguards provide an invaluable service in protecting our residents and have helped save countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. We encourage you to take the first step in making this summer your best one yet by applying to be a Town of Oyster Bay lifeguard today.”

The Town is accepting lifeguard applications from candidates who possess Nassau Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Additionally, the Town is offering Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Nassau County Certification

courses for residents who are not certified, but would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Water Safety Instructors, Swim Team Coaches, Swim Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguard Instructors and Lifeguard Managerial positions.

“The Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification

and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for successful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at Town community pools, and offering competitive pay in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all Town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-7974131 or email aquatics@oysterbay-ny.gov.

We are looking for writers in our community to compose news articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

E-mail submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $35⁰⁰

LEGAL

NOTICE

Notice of Formation of JASMINE MANAGEMENT LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/23/2023. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to the LLC: 2 CONVENT COURT, SYOSSET, NY 11791. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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March 29, 2024

European Waterways’ Panache Hotel Barge Cruises

France’s Alsace-Lorraine Canals in Luxury

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Reflecting back, it is so interesting that a trip that is so absolutely relaxing can also be filled with activity, interesting, even astonishing, attractions, scenic sights, and cuisine that is Michelin-star caliber, and how, traveling slower than 3 mph, you can see so much, experience so much in a day.

This is European Waterways’ sixnight/seven-day Marne-Rhin Canal cruise through France’s Alsace & Lorraine Region, aboard its hotel barge, Panache. The boat sleeps 12 and has a crew of six, so pampering is an understatement – this is like a floating luxury boutique hotel.

Over the course of our cruise, we have guided tours of charming, colorful, historic cities including Strasbourg, Saverne and Sarrebourg, visit the Rene Lalique crystal museum, see Marc Chagall’s largest and grandest stained glass work, go through a boat “guillotine” and ascend a remarkable boat elevator, have a private tasting at what can only be described as a renegade/maverick winery on the Route des Vins d’Alsace, and so many more surprises that delight.

The slow pace of the barge proves an advantage because I also get to bike along the towpath the entire length of the route, return to the boat, and see the scenery again from a different perspective of the elevated perch of the boat deck.

The pace is so relaxed, and to be candid, the level of luxury and pampering so great, you don’t even

European Waterways’ Panache hotel barge cruises the Marne-Rhin canal through the historic city of Saverne in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

realize how much you have done in a– whether it’s biking the route, sightseeing and visiting villages, historic and cultural places, enjoying fine wine and cuisine, and still have time to just hang out and watch the landscape go by and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.

We do so much in a day, it is mind-boggling to realize (well after the trip), what short distances we actually travel each day (several of the excursions involve us being picked up by van where the boat docks), and where we were the day before and will be the day after. Time and distance just kind of melt.

I have cleverly arranged to arrive two days early in Strasbourg, where the Alsace-Lorraine cruise starts –this takes into account any unexpected flight or travel delays, and gives

me two half days and one full day in this picturesque old city (we actually will be visiting here with the cruise on our first full day).

Captain Brian picks us up at the Regent Petit France Hotel, which sits astride the canal with the most picturesque view of the historic district, and chauffeurs us to where the hotel barge is tied up at Krafft, where we are greeted by the crew of six with Premier Cru FrereJohn Freres Champagne and hors d’oeurves, and introduces to the boat, the crew and our fellow traveling companions for the week.

The salon/dining room is absolutely stunning, with comfortable sofas and chairs, a long dining table, large picture windows that let the light and scenery in.

Panache is a hotel barge that has

been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings and polished hardwood floors in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. The salon/dining room is absolutely stunning, with comfortable sofas and chairs, a long dining table, large picture windows that let the natural light and scenery in. The separated dining area is roomy, providing a congenial setting for up to 12 to enjoy the gourmet meals and fine wines served on board at the grand table. Here we also have access to free Wifi, Panache accommodates 12 passengers in six spacious cabins (larger than the room at the delightful Hotel Hannong I had just left in Strasbourg), that can be configured for twin or double-bed, with plush linens, plenty of lights and electric plug-ins, our own temperature control, room to store our clothes, and private bathroom (double sinks! oversized shower!). Housekeeping comes in twice a day and leaves a chocolate on the pillow at night. Truly a boutique hotel room that floats us from destination to destination in absolute luxury.

Panache has a very comfortable sun deck with lounging chairs and table and chairs, from which you can enjoy the scenery, have cocktails and dine alfresco, and heated spa pool. There also is a plentiful number of bicycles which I take advantage of each day, virtually biking the entire route (and then getting back on board to enjoy it from the perch of the boat).

Each evening, Captain Brian (who is also the general manager, the cruise director, our tour guide and sometimes the pilot and just 25

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European Waterways’ Panache Hotel Barge Cruises France’s Alsace-Lorraine Canals in Luxury

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years old) orients us to the boat and our cruise, especially the invitation that the crew “never lets a glass go empty, so if you don’t want a refill of wine, put your hand over it” (and they are only half kidding, as we discover). Each evening, he orients us to what we will do the next day – whether to visit a museum or a guided walking tour - and each day is distinguished by a special highlight.

You expect picturesque scenery and to visit fascinating cultural attractions but what is totally unexpected is the astonishing quality of the cuisine that we are treated to by Chef Leo – a young chef who, we learn, was a contestant on France’s “Top Chef”. Over the course of our six days of cruising, we experience Michelin-star quality dining, as Chef Leo enjoys experimenting. As he jokes, each cruise brings him more “guinea pigs”.

His cooking is really distinctive – it is not any particular cuisine, necessarily. He has a vibrant taste palate, likes a lot of flavor without overwhelming the actual flavor of the main item, and most important, is never too rich. He is really imaginative, creative, and the presentations are stunning. There are three courses for lunch and dinner, so each individual course is not too much, but not too little, either, with a different red and white wine accompanying each, and three different cheeses to finish.

Each meal is an event, an experience. Chef Leo comes out to explain each course, and Emily (from England) or Martyna (from Poland) introduce the wines – where produced, the vintage, the pedigree - and the cheeses (which have fascinating stories). By the end of the cruise, including the tasting at

a most distinctive (progressive) winery that Captain Brian has found, we must have tasted more than 36 wines and 36 cheeses from throughout France – each perfectly paired for what is being served to bring out the best flavors.

When we arrive back from an afternoon tour, we are welcomed aboard with some sort of cocktail –one day it is Mimosa, another it is French 75 (an elderberry gin spritzer).

We are small enough group that our wishes are usually accommodated – Hylton, who comes from Australia, expresses a desire for steak and Sue, his wife, wishes for passionfruit crème brulee – and don’t you know, we have both for lunch – with Leo doing a cooking demonstration in the morning as we cruise to show how he creates the crème brulee. It is a first for him creating crème brulee with passionfruit and he takes it as a sort of challenge. We watch him create it, with his precise weighing and measuring, and, later, just before serving, firing it up with a torch.

In fact, the one evening we dine in a pleasant village restaurant, the meal, although very good, does not compare with Chef Leo’s creations. Clearly, we have been spoiled in just these few days.

Captain Brian gives us the safety talk – noting that some of the bridges we go under are so low, we will have to sit down and the bridge has to be taken down; the canals are so narrow, with barely an inch on either side, we need to keep hands inside the boat. And don’t block the navigator’s view of the crossbars at the front of the boat. There are life jackets, an emergency red call button in our cabins (don’t use it to call for a sandwich, it will wake everyone). And another thing, Captain Brian insists:

never say the name of the animal with the bushy tail and big ears and eats carrots on a boat – it’s bad luck.

This first evening, Chef Leo’s talents become apparent: a carrot and orange salad to start with a kind of pesto sauce that surprises with flavor; roasted seabass with leek and champagne sauce, and dessert of peach tart. This evening the wines include Famille Hugel, an Alsace Pinot Blanc, 2019, and an Alsace red, Boitt Geyl Pinot Noir, 2017 (producing wines since 1775!), that pair superbly with the flavors.

The meal finishes with three cheeses: Camembert, “King of Cheeses,” from Normandy, with a golden color and buttery texture and a strong aroma (“We serve it on the first night to get it out of the refrigerator”); Morbier, a cow cheese from Franche-Comte, which traces back to the 1800s and, legend has it, a method of disguising the size of the cheese within charcoal in order to avoid paying tax; and Selles-sur-Cher, a goat cheese from the Loire Valley which, we learn is a cheese deprived of light and oxygen for 38 weeks, and is served in an edible rind.

Hotel barging offers an immersive and all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” of the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the destinations. You cruise right into villages, step off the boat, and can wander into neighborhoods and countrysides, where people live.

European Waterways, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding by Derek Banks and John WoodDow this year, was one of the early pioneers of hotel barging on France’s canals. They helped ignite a new niche the travel industry and cruising that proved instrumental in the revitaliza-

Prediabetes and Your Heart

BY CHARLYN FARGO

If you’ve gotten the news that you have prediabetes, no doubt you panicked -- at least for a minute or two. According to the latest federal data from 2016, one-third of U.S. adults have prediabetes. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but lower than the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.

The good news is prediabetes can be reversed by changing your diet (eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy) and getting regular physical activity. For someone diagnosed with prediabetes, weight loss is key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends weight loss of 5% to 7% (and regular exercise) to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

There’s another reason to take a prediabetes diagnosis seriously. People who reverse their prediabetes may lower their risk of heart attack, stroke and death, according to a new study reported by the American Heart Association.

Researchers from Tangshan People’s Hospital in a northern province of China (where prevalence of prediabetes is slightly higher than in the U.S.) looked at more than 14,000 employees of a coal company, mostly men, over 11 years. Blood sugar was checked in 2006, 2008 and tracked through 2017. Between 2006 and 2008, about 45% of the participants reverted from prediabetes back to normal blood sugar. Another 42% stayed the same, and 13% progressed to diabetes.

In following the groups until 2017, researchers found that those who reverted

to normal blood sugar had a 38% lower risk of heart attack and a 28% lower risk of stroke than those who progressed to diabetes. Their risk of dying from any cause during the follow-up was 18% lower than the risk seen in those who progressed to diabetes.

While this wasn’t a clinical trial (so we can’t say it applies to people outside of China), it is notable. The bottom line is that reversing prediabetes affects cardiovascular disease risk.

That’s just another reason to start eating healthy, exercising and dropping a few pounds if you need to.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

tion of Europe’s intricate network of scenic canals and inland waterways as tourism destinations. Like our Erie Canal of New York State, these canals were no longer being used for commercial shipping; tourism and recreational boating has revitalized them, and the villages along the route

Panache cruises in  Holland in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom, and in  Champagne in May & June (Champagne itineraries typically include Brie cheese tastings, a tour of the Cathedral at Reims, Epernay and tastings at renowned champagne houses). In summer and autumn, Panache cruises the Alsace & Lorraine European Waterways launched its first Christmas Markets Cruises aboard Panache in 2023 in the Alsace & Lorraine region of France. This 6-night/7-day luxury barge cruise visits the Christmas Markets of Strasbourg, Colmar, and Haugenau, a chocolate museum, a glass bauble factory which is said to be the home of the traditional tree decoration (For more information, visit  https:// www.europeanwaterways.com/ themed/christmas-market-cruises/)

With a fleet of 18 (with the recent launch of its ultra deluxe vessel, Kir Royale), that span nine countries, European Waterways is one of the largest luxury hotel barging companies in Europe.

European Waterways, 1-877-879-8808, www.europeanwaterways.com

Next: The Panache Visits Strasbourg

© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com

Crossword Answers

Cappy’s Boy and the Easter Celebration

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Easter is a time for chocolate bunnies and new friendships. My brother, Jeff, met Paul Ryan one day in school. It was the second grade and sitting next to each other, they struck up a conversation. The months flew by and as Easter approached, Paul was excited about the holiday. He told Jeff about why it was so special and the way he spoke, Jeff thought Paul liked it even better than Christmas.

Paul lived two blocks over and his father, Doc Ryan, ran the neighborhood drug store. In his free time Doc Ryan’s passion was taking his motorboat out on the Long Island Sound and people said that while piloting the boat he had the same level of concentration he had when filling prescriptions in his store. Paul started being called “Cappy’s Boy” and that nickname stuck.

At the store, Mrs. Ryan ran the soda fountain area. She was quick about making people cream sodas, malted milkshakes and banana splits with cherries on top and she’d place plates of hot dogs and French fries in front of customers on the Formica counter at lunchtime.

Occasionally Jeff and Paul would stop by Doc’s place to chat with Mrs. Ryan. If it was springtime Paul would start going on and on about Easter. He loved sitting at the kitchen table at home with his mom and dad dyeing Easter eggs on Holy Saturday night after dinner. His sisters would sit down and patiently choose the color of the dyes for their hard-boiled eggs and slowly start to work.

Using spoons, they’d dip each egg in the dye then place it ever so carefully in an empty egg carton their mom had set aside for drying purposes. Paul always worked with enthusiasm. He was very diligent about dyeing the eggs - he’d dunk them, wait a few minutes for a bright blue or red color then place them in the carton to dry. Overnight was best and he knew eventually he’d find some in his Easter basket.

At night when everyone was fast asleep Paul would go downstairs and look at the dining room table wondering if his mom had placed them there.

He did the same thing on Christmas but Easter was different - there would be a large, bright Easter basket waiting for each member of the family - even treats for their dog, Zoey.

Paul always said he liked joining in with the other kids in the neighborhood in the Easter egg hunts - no matter whose back yard. Many times Jeff watched him scampering around looking behind trees, under bushes and under the tulip leaves.

Paul liked it best when on Easter Sunday his mother would call him and his three brothers and sisters to the dining room table to, one by one, be handed their colorful Easter baskets. Each one was filled with jelly beans, those yellow marshmallowy Peeps, hard-boiled eggs and chocolate bunnies. Beautifully wrapped in cellophane, he’d be eager to tear it open and dig into the candy. Sometimes he’d actually wait a while because he liked admiring his perfect Easter basket sitting on the dining room table. No one else would touch it and when ready, he’d dig in.

After eating their Easter Sunday dinner at one point or another Doc Ryan would sit back in his chair with his china cup of coffee in front of him and start telling the family the story of the five-foot-tall chocolate Easter bunny. Back in 1890 in Reading, Pa., American shopkeeper named Robert Strohecker set up a five-foot-tall chocolate bunny as an Easter promotion in his department store.

By placing it in the window of his department store, passersby would see it. The very tall chocolate bunny was manufactured by the Luden Candy Company in Reading with instructions from Robert Strohecker.

Once people saw the oversized chocolate bunny in Strohecker’s department store, they wanted their own chocolate Easter bunnies. They’d be smaller chocolate bunnies of coursesmall enough to fit into Easter baskets or beside a dinner plate on the holiday. The hollow chocolate bunnies became popular because they were easy to eat. Some people liked getting the solid chocolate bunnies but they weren’t half as easy to consume.

Paul agreed with his dad that choc-

olate bunnies were the best - and not just on Easter - so why was it hard to get them the rest of the year? Doc Ryan laughed and said he didn’t know, that

holidays come at certain times of the year and certain candies and traditions help make them special.

Doc Ryan told his family that he saw a photo of Robert Strohecker standing outside next to that five-foot-tall chocolate bunny and because of its tall ears, it was taller than him.

Later that night, while Mrs. Ryan was doing the dishes, she told the kids their dad liked telling that story because he’d grown up in New Holland, Pa., which is just a few miles away from Reading. People would travel miles, he’d often say, to see the oversized

chocolate bunny in the store’s window. It was a sure sign that spring was here, the snow would melt, the flowers would bloom again, and on Easter Sunday people would gather in churches and homes to celebrate the magnificent holiday of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Jeff recalled one year when Easter fell on April 18 and the forecast was for a warm, pleasant day. The Ryans invited Jeff’s family to celebrate Easter together on the boat and they said it sounded like fun. Meeting at the dock after Easter Mass at church they hopped aboard and Doc Ryan took them for a spin. While steering Doc Ryan would get so engrossed no one could disrupt him. Paul proudly wore his cap that said, “Cappy’s Boy.” The others chatted as Doc piloted and they admired the view of the shoreline from the water. Inhaling the fresh air and feeling grateful, they disembarked and waited for another Easter to roll around. It would be a very special day.

This is fiction.

Happy Easter, Happy Passover and Happy Spring to all!

BY TOM MARGENAU

Social Security’s privacy laws are a topic I’ve covered in past columns. But I can tell from my emails that it’s time I do so again.

I recall my days as a trainee with the Social Security Administration. And gosh, that was more than 50 years ago now! The very first thing drilled into our heads was that a law called the Privacy Act prevented us from disclosing any information about anyone’s Social Security record to anyone else other than the record holder himself or herself.

Almost all Americans agree that the law makes sense. You certainly don’t want the government sharing earnings or benefit information from your Social Security files with other people. And “other people” means everyone -- including spouses and other family members. This isn’t too much of an issue for most families and for most married couples. For example, I know what my wife’s Social Security benefit is and she knows what I am getting. That’s because we share that information with each other.

But if we weren’t that kind of a sharing couple, I would not be able to call the SSA to find out what she is getting, and she would not be able to call the SSA to find out what I am getting. The government, or at least the Social Security Administration, is very strict about upholding these privacy laws.

And that can sometimes lead to problems when people are trying to get Social Security information about a family member or spouse for legitimate reasons. Today’s emails provide examples of this.

Q: I am trying to help my 90-yearold mother with a Social Security problem. She never got the 1099 form from the Social Security Administration that she needs to file her tax return. She lives in California. I live in Arizona. So, I went to my local Social Security office. The clerk I talked to seemed very friendly and said she would see to it that another 1099 was sent to her. But several weeks went by and my mother never got the form. So, I went back to our local office and this time talked to a different agent. This person said that with my mother’s permission, he would print out the form and mail it to her. We called my mom and of course she gave him permission to do so. Then he printed out the form. He gave me an envelope and asked me to write my mom’s address on the envelope. Then he put the 1099 form inside the envelope and put it in the office’s outgoing mail. I was a little upset and kept telling this agent that he should just give me the form and I would get it to my mom. But he said the law prevented him from doing this. Can you help me understand this?

A: Just reread the first couple paragraphs of this column and you should

Privacy Laws and Social Security

understand what’s going on. Obviously, you were just trying to help your mother. But again, the law is VERY clear on this. The Social Security representative was simply following the law. In fact, he would have gotten into serious trouble and possibly could have been fired if he gave your mother’s 1099 to you. And rather than being upset with him, I think you should have thanked him. Rather than push a few buttons to have the SSA’s central 1099 system mail another form to your mother (as the first clerk you talked to did -- with no results), this guy took the time to call your mother, print out the form, and mail it directly to her himself.

Q: I was married to my husband for over 30 years. He was an old-fashioned man who said that “a woman’s place is in the home,” so he never let me get an outside job. Therefore, I have no Social Security of my own. On the other hand, he was a doctor and made a very nice living, and I’m sure he will be due a comfortable Social Security retirement benefit. About two years ago, he left me and married one of his young nurses. At least our divorce decree left me with our house and a little bit of money. I am about to turn 62. He is 67. I am trying to decide if I should file for my share of his Social Security now, or if I should wait until I am older and get a higher rate. My husband won’t tell me if he has applied for Social Security and/or how much he is due. I called the Social Security help line and was told that the law prevented them from telling me what I am due on his Social Security account. How can I make a decision if I don’t have all the facts?

A: First I am going to give you a ballpark of what you might be due on your ex-husband’s Social Security account. Then I will help you get more precise information from the people at the SSA.

Because your ex was a doctor, let’s assume he probably paid the maximum amount into Social Security all his life, meaning he will likely qualify for a very high monthly Social Security benefit. That rate is currently in the $3,800 range. At age 62, you’d be due about a third of that, or around $1,250 per month. If you wait until your full retirement age to file, then you would get a 50% rate, or $1,900.

But you should be able to get precise figures from the Social Security Administration. You said you tried and were told they couldn’t share that information with you. I’m afraid you talked to a bit of an overzealous Social Security rep who is taking the laws about privacy of Social Security records a little too literally.

I suggest you call them back and hope you get a more informed and reliable representative. He or she will NOT be able to tell you if your husband has applied for Security benefits or how much he is getting (or what he is potentially due). But the rep can tell you how much you would be eligi-

ble for on his account.

There is a chance you may have to do this in person at your local Social Security office. And that’s because, technically, to get that information, you’re going to have to prove to the SSA that you are who you say you are and that you are poten-

tially due divorced wife’s benefits on his account. So, you will need your own ID, and you will have to show them a marriage certificate and divorce papers. And of course, it will greatly help if you have your ex’s Social Security number.

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Navigating and passing a coop board is challenging

In the current real estate market, purchasing a coop has been challenged by the rules and regulations that go hand in hand with completing the required board application and successfully passing the interview. Acceptable income, credit, and debtto-income ratios will go a long way in reaching that happy ending. However, all boards in Nassau County have no outside oversight and accountability, as Suffolk County does. When a board turns down an applicant there, the board must respond within 45 days to explain to the respective applicant the reason(s) why.

In Nassau, there aren’t regulations that provide feedback to the purchaser when they are turned down. This allows those few who may indiscriminately decide not to allow a buyer to purchase. Discrimination does exist with some boards. However, I have no concrete statistics to back this up except for those that I have spoken to whose financials, debt/income ratios and credit seemed more than adequate to be accepted; but were not.

Buyers in Nassau County have no basis to go by as to the basic requirements. They are truly in the dark and there is no barometer or gauge to no what is necessary and expected. Board members want excellent income, debt-to-income ratios, and high credit scores. However, there are always extenuating circumstances that would allow those with specific situations to pass a board. In those situations, there is no wiggle room with people that sit on a board.

I spoke in front of the Nassau County Legislature about five years ago conveying the amount of time it took for a board review and the discrimination issue. It was taking up to three months to get to a closing. I explained that there was an excessive amount of time to facilitate our transactions. The legislators passed a law that gave management companies 45 days to review and expedite the buyer’s board package and set up a board review for the prospective purchaser.

This was predicated on management receiving all the required information on the application. If additional information is needed, then the additional time is provided to management.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

If this isn’t done efficiently, the board receives a warning from Nassau County for the first infraction, the 2nd time the regulations are not followed within the time constraints, then a $2000 fine is levied and $2000 for every infraction afterward. To date, I have yet to determine if any coop board has been warned or even fined. New York City and its five Boroughs have a different set of rules and regulations.

However, some coops in Bayside and other Queens towns, provide simple guidance to those prospective purchasers. There is an income structure, whereby if you earn $60,000, you would qualify for a studio, $75,000 qualified for a 1 bedroom, and $100,000 qualified for a 2 bedroom. However, credit and debt-to-income ratios also had an impact on whether or not a buyer will pass a board review. But at least there is a basic parameter to go by from the get-go. This makes it easier for brokers to ascertain who may qualify and who might not.

This would be an excellent starting point for all coops in Nassau County. Moreover, even providing some basic guidelines for minimum credit and debt-to-income ratios would benefit all parties. Less time would be wasted by brokers as well as management and coop boards. We would know who would be most qualified to pass a board. More important less money would be lost by those who thought they would pass a board but did not. I realize this is another way managements earn some of their income by application fees; unfortunately, there is a “no refund” policy when purchasers do not pass the board review.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU

Continued from previous page

Finally, one other thing you should know: A divorced woman can file for spousal benefits even if her ex hasn’t yet filed himself. If you decide you want to take spousal benefits now, then file a claim right away.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

I think it’s time for the Nassau County Legislature to finally pass a law similar to Suffolk County, which would provide clandestine information and reasons why those buyers didn’t pass the board review. This also would minimize buyer discrimination that might be occurring and in turn would educate them as to what they would need to do going forward to meet the requirements to purchase.

This could minimize and maybe almost eliminate our wasted time, guessing whether or not our clients would pass the review. Having some basic guidelines would be a great help. Right now it’s a guessing game to know what the coop board’s requirements are as each building has different parameters for purchasing. Having a basic template for all brokers to go by would simplify the process and enable management to process packages more efficiently and expeditiously. There would be more buyers to be able to pass the board review.

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Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ of years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

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EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

How Clearing Out Clutter Can Improve Your Life

BY MARY HUNT

Getting organized is like dieting. Everyone knows how to do it, but the problem is getting around to it -- to clearing out clutter, cleverly organizing what remains and then maintaining the results.

When we remodeled our kitchen a few years ago, I emptied every cupboard and drawer, carefully labeling every box and bin with its contents. That process alone ran a few red flags up the pole. I found things I’d forgotten completely. When it was time to put everything back, I decided to put things away as I actually used them -- not with the mindset that I might need them someday.

I quickly realized why it was such a problem to keep the kitchen neat and tidy. It is impossible to organize chaos. I needed to clear out everything first. Funny how that cleared my mind as well.

Getting rid of the unused items that obviously had become unnecessary created space to organize the essentials.

TOO. MUCH. STUFF.

Face it. If you don’t have enough closet, drawer and storage space to comfortably handle your possessions, you probably own too many things. Give away; pare down. Let your rooms, closets and drawers appear serene and controlled.

There’s no single “right” way to organize your possessions and home. Organization must fit your style, energy and schedule. Find a system that functions best for you and your family.

ELIMINATE, CONCENTRATE

No matter the way you do it, let this be your mantra: Eliminate and concentrate. Say it over and over. Then say it some more.

Eliminate: I will admit to this being very difficult for me. I have this thing in my head that says someday I’ll need it. It’s worth a lot. It has value. After all, the power grid might go down any second, and these candle stubs could save the day. Just articulating those words makes me laugh and prompts me to do the right thing: eliminate any way I can.

Concentrate: It’s ridiculous how the things we really do need get scattered all over the house in random drawers and cupboards. Getting everything similar into one place is also a shocking experience. Yes, we need that thing; whatever it might be. But do we really need 18 of them?!

BROWN BAG METHOD

Getting rid of the clutter is a good place to start. Personally, I’m fond of the brown bag method for instant results -something that works wonders, especially when you are at your wit’s end over clutter and chaos.

Take one (more as necessary) large brown paper grocery bag, bin or box and fill it with all of the stacks of extraneous papers, magazines and mail; your basic clutter. The purpose here is not to throw anything away, but just to get it out of visual range until you have time to sort and file. At least that’s what you tell yourself.

Stand back and enjoy that completely clear counter, desktop, table or another flat surface. Amazing, isn’t it?

If no one in the family has mentioned missing something of importance within 48 hours or so, it is probably safe to throw the whole thing out. While this may be a method of last resort, I guarantee it works.

SALAMI METHOD

A more preferred way to get organized may be the salami method. You wouldn’t think of eating an entire salami in one sitting. You’d eat it in slices over a period of time, right? Think of your project as one big salami. Start with one thing. One room. One closet. One drawer. Tomorrow is another day; another drawer and another attic. Soon you’ll be in control.

I’ve learned that gaining control over the stuff in my life has an effect on my attitude. When everything is in its place, I’m less stressed, able to think clearly and a happier person, basically. Order brings calm; clutter results in chaos.

SEVERE MESSIES

I have found some kind of comfort in knowing that I’m not the only organizationally challenged person out there. Just the other day, I was reading that the ratio of naturally-born neatniks to messies is about one to a million.

Not everyone has a severe case of the messies, but if you think you might, you need to read “Sink Reflections” by Marla Cilley.

Cilley, aka “The FlyLady” to the

A GREENER VIEW

Climate Change and Trees

thousands who log onto her website Flylady.net, kindly and with great empathy reaches into every person’s home to help make housecleaning more fun and life more organized.

Beginning with Shiny Sink 101, Cilley explains how a spotless kitchen sink can direct even the most discouraged housekeeper onto the path of well-ordered domesticity. And who wouldn’t love that?

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: We have a new landscape, and we want to plant trees that will help with climate change. Any suggestions?

A: What is your definition of climate change? Do you think your area is going to get warmer or colder? What are you trying to accomplish by planting a tree? Are you planting the tree to absorb carbon or to shade the house? Will a tree block future solar panels?

Trees are a zero-sum game when it comes to holding onto carbon or reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Trees use large amounts of carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They use smaller amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and other elements. All of these materials are combined in many ways to make numerous chemicals for use by the plant.

Some elements and chemicals are released back into the air and water almost continuously. Others are released in large quantities on a seasonal basis, such as when leaves fall off trees in the fall. Bacteria, fungi, insects and other an-

imals consume the leaves, flower petals, leaf bud scale, and pieces of shed bark, recycling the chemicals into their own bodies and into manure. All of this recycling is called the nutrient cycle. It is a never-ending loop of elements moving through one organism to another. Every time you eat part of a plant, you are recycling nutrients as part of this cycle.

Tree trunks, branches and large roots do hold elements and chemicals from weeks to centuries, but in the end, all of the elements in the wood will rot away as part of the nutrient cycle. Trees only hold nutrients temporarily.

In the short term, planting as many long-lived trees as you can will help store elements for a few decades. Forest trees of virtually every species live much longer than any tree planted in an urban or

suburban environment. Even long-lived trees are not going to live long if they are not planted in the proper location. Before planting any tree, you will need to investigate the soil type, drainage, sun exposure, hardiness zone and wind direction. Buying trees for planting by your local forest preserve district may be a better investment than planting the same trees in your landscape.

Wherever you live, there are forest trees that are native to your region that can grow for a long time if the soil in your landscape is appropriate. You will need to maintain the tree for the first few years to make sure it starts growing well from the beginning. In addition to the climate and microclimate considerations for planting a tree, you should also consider how the tree will fit into the landscape. Trees influence

their surroundings: They produce shade that can be beneficial as it lowers the need for air conditioning. They can block solar panels, not just in your landscape but in the neighbors’, so be sure to take that into account.

All existing tree species have survived thousands of years of climate change. They are much heartier and more adaptable than many people give them credit for. Native woodland habitats are not static. An area full of mature trees now was an area of immature trees 100 years ago. Those mature trees have survived 100 years of record cold, heat and drought. Forest fires constantly change woodlands into fields for decades until the trees can fill the landscape again.

I don’t want to discourage you from planting trees, but rather than considering “climate change” as a whole, it may be more important to take into account your short-term needs for trees.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

Photographing the Upcoming Solar Eclipse

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 31 -- April 6, 2024

On April 8, we in North America will enjoy our first total solar eclipse in seven years, and the last until 2033. So unless you plan to travel to Barrow, Alaska, at that time, be sure to be watching next Monday!

Nearly everyone will want to photograph the sky show, but if you’d like the advice of a veteran of 18 total solar eclipses, here it is: If you’ve never experienced a total solar eclipse -- and believe me, you’d know if you had -- put your camera away and enjoy it.

Now since most readers will ignore my advice, I’ll offer some tips to shoot the eclipse.

First, the partial phases. Never forget that you’re photographing the sun. No camera, and certainly no eye, can handle its intense light without a proper solar filter in front of it.

Never view or photograph the sun or partial eclipse phases with the naked eye, sunglasses, neutral density glass, double thickness of darkened film, smoked glass or other homemade filters

Be sure to assemble and test all your gear in advance. This will give you experience in shooting the partial phases since your settings will be identical. You’ll soon realize that you’ll need a telephoto lens (or telescope) to produce a reasonably large image of the sun.

Before the eclipse begins, disable your autofocus. Next, aim toward a distant daylit landscape and, zooming the image larger on the LCD screen, focus it manually. Then, gently tape the focus barrel so it won’t move.

If you’ll be using a tripod, be sure you turn off your camera’s image stabilization. Disable your strobe, keep

your ISO relatively low and don’t be afraid to stop down the lens to ensure sharper images.

If you’ll be located along the eclipse centerline, you’ll also be treated to an unearthly spectacle, but these four minutes will be quite challenging for first-time eclipse photographers. Exposures can range anywhere from a fraction of a second to several seconds, depending on what you’re trying to capture and when. Visit mreclipse. com for specific tips.

Totality begins immediately after the “diamond ring,” and this is when you must remove all filters. Photography now becomes quite tricky because the lighting changes so rapidly. Now you’ve got some fast real-time choices to make: Zoom in and shoot the totally eclipsed sun itself or photograph the alien environment around you.

In the darkened blue sky, gorgeous sunset colors and a few of the brighter planets and stars will appear. To capture these with a wider-angle lens, you may wish to set your camera to aperture-priority, for example, and compose for the eclipse and environment together.

If you’ve never experienced a total solar eclipse, you will be stunned by how rapidly it passes, and you will soon realize how tough it is for even experienced eclipse chasers to capture great photos without missing the sky show.

I highly recommend putting the camera away and just taking in the enormity of all that’s happening around you. You will not be sorry.

Of course, there’s nothing to prevent you from pulling out your smartphone during totality to sneak a quick shot or two!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

I’d recommend focusing on the eclipse with your own (protected!) eyes, but if you insist on photographing it, I’ve got some tips.

BY: TRACY BECKERMAN

According to some experts, it’s advisable to practice taking care of something living before you have kids. A lot of people start out with a pet. But before you have pets, you might need to first be able to keep a houseplant alive. And if you find you really stink at this caretaking thing, you might even want to take one step back beyond that and start with an amoeba.

Before we plunged into parenthood, my husband and I felt confident we could move beyond the single-celled organism phase and start with a houseplant. So, we looked up which plants are supposed to be especially hearty and decided on an aloe plant.

And then I named it George.

“I think George needs to be watered,” I said to my husband. “His soil is dry.”

“How do you know the plant is a ‘he’?” he said.

“He leaves his socks on the floor,” I replied.

Meanwhile, I really had no idea whether George was thirsty or not. George was a succulent, like a cactus, and I had read that they should be watered deeply but infrequently. However, they did not say how frequently infrequently was. I wondered how taking care of this plant would truly help me know how to care for a newborn, other than being able to tell when my child needed to be watered and if the baby would grow better in direct or indirect sunlight.

“The website says after we repot George, we should ignore him for a week or so,” my husband said, reading from “The Care and Feeding of Your Succulent.”

“You mean, like, exclude him from conversations and pretend he’s not there?” I said. “That’s not very nice. And besides, I think it might affect his self-esteem.”

“They meant not to water him so he doesn’t get root rot.”

“ROOT ROT?” I exclaimed. “That

sounds horrible! Can our baby get root rot, too?”

“Probably only if we water him too much.”

It suddenly dawned on me that caring for this aloe plant was far more complicated than I’d anticipated, and I wondered if we should start over and work on “The Care and Feeding of Your Paramecium” instead.

I should mention here that I do come from a long line of green thumbs, so I was somewhat optimistic. My grandmother had a fabulous garden and lots of plants around the house, and so did my mom. Feeling confident, my first plant when I lived on my own was a ficus tree. It seemed really happy for the first week, but then one day I came home from work, and it had dropped every single leaf on the floor. It was completely bare. I had no idea what I had done wrong and decided it wasn’t my fault. It probably had a gene for baldness, just like my grandfather did.

So the aloe plant was not actually my first plant, but it was my first plant with my husband, and I thought, since we would be raising a child together, it made sense to raise an aloe plant together. The aloe plant thought otherwise. Within two weeks, the leaves of our thriving aloe plant had turned yellow, and then brown, and then dead.

“You watered it too much,” said my husband accusingly.

“That’s true,” I said. “But I learned an important lesson from this.”

“What?”

“I should bathe our child infrequently.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

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Enjoy a no-bake dessert this Easter Sunday

Cheesecake Eggs

Base

Easter eggs in all their pastel glory come to mind when pondering an important holy day on the Christian calendar. Easter eggs are great to hide and fun to find, but when they come in the form of a tasty dessert, celebrations become that much more festive.

“No-Bake Cheesecake

Serves 2

Base

1 medium chocolate Easter egg

35 grams unsalted butter

75 grams digestive biscuits

Filling

200 grams full-fat soft cheese (such as cream cheese or neufchâtel), at room temperature

1) Carefully split the Easter egg into two halves.

2) Melt the butter in the microwave in short bursts or in a small pan over a medium heat.

3) In a food processor, blitz the biscuits to a fine crumb, add the melted butter and pulse a few times until the mixture is well combined.

4) Divide the mixture equally between the two halves of the Easter egg, and very gently press down, without breaking the shell.

Filling

5) In a large bowl, whisk the cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar until smooth. Add the double cream and cocoa powder and whisk again until smooth and thickened.

6) Divide the mixture evenly between the two

Eggs” are a confectionary twist on the chocolate eggs that are popular come Easter. Home chefs can have fun decorating and playing with the flavors of these treats. Try this recipe, courtesy of “Jane’s Patisserie Celebrate!”

(Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons icing sugar

100 milliliters double cream

25 grams cocoa powder

Decoration

50 grams milk chocolate, melted Easter chocolates

Sprinkles

Easter egg halves and smooth over as carefully as possible. Chill in the fridge for an hour or so until set.

Decoration

7) Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the two halves and decorate with some Easter chocolates and sprinkles.

Editor’s note: Icing sugar also is known as confectioner’s sugar or powdered sugar. In the United States and Canada, “double cream” may not be readily available. Double cream has a higher butterfat content and is primarily sold in the UK. If double cream is not available, try substituting with heavy cream with the highest fat content you can find, but note that the consistency of the finished product may be slightly different.

Model Train Show planned for April 13

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, April 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Levittown Hall, located at 201 Levittown Parkway in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Charitable donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Nassau County Police Explorers Program.

“We’re proud to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot to offer this model train show while raising charitable funds for the Nassau County Police Explorers,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Assisting groups that not only bring a fun and educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help preserve our history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”

The Model Train Show includes oper-

ating model layouts from area clubs in several different scales coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Parents may bring a secure step stool of their own for children to stand on. For everyone’s safety, standing on chairs is not permitted.

Admission in to the exhibit is $7.00, children ages 4–11 years are $4.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free.  For further information, please visit www.trainville.com or call (516)433-4444.

Bethpage School District highlights engaging math programs

The Bethpage Board of Education held its meeting at Central Boulevard Elementary School on March 19. John Titolo, director of mathematics, kicked off the meeting with a presentation about some of the fantastic math programs that have been implemented in the schools.

Mr. Titolo discussed how important mathematical thinking is in everyday life. He also educated the board and the community on “March Mathness” which is taking place in the elementary schools. This is a month devoted to the mathematical thinking that people use every day. Elementary students follow a March Mathness calendar that features a different math activity for students and families to do each day. The goal is to get them to tap into their mathematical thinking. For example, on March 1, students learned that bakers use numbers and measurement. They were challenged to bake their favorite dessert with their families over the weekend.

In addition, Mr. Titolo spoke about how games are utilized in the district to promote mathematical thinking. To further emphasize this point, he introduced Allison Robb, elementary math specialist at Central Boulevard School and adviser of the school’s Math Olympiad team. Ms. Robb, along with five Math Olympiad students – Travis Arora, Zoe Bacani, Mackenzie Ruppert, Jackson Shadock and Travis Wong – spoke during the meeting. The students shared what they love the most about the program and Ms. Robb shared that the team meets every Monday morning to work on creative and challenging math problems. Charles Campagne

Elementary School and Kramer Lane Elementary School also have Math Olympiad teams.

Ms. Robb explained that Math Olympiad students participate in five contests a year to showcase their problem-solving skills. Although the season is about to end, students are gearing up to compete in the Nassau County Math Competition which will take place at SUNY Old Westbury

this spring. She also shared that Math Olympiad students participate in math games during their meetings. The five Math Olympians helped demonstrate one of their favorite mental math games, Adsumudi. They played against board members and successfully showcased how quickly they can problem solve.

Mr. Titolo thanked Ms. Robb and her students for highlighting

the math enrichment program and spoke about how this enrichment continues into the secondary level with special math programs, courses and math fair opportunities. He also shared that starting next school year, Bethpage High School will have its first Math Honor Society.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Allison Robb, elementary math specialist at Central Boulevard School (middle), and members of Central Boulevard’s Math Olympiad team spoke at the Bethpage Board of Education meeting on March 19.

John Titolo, director of mathematics, educated the board and the community on all the great math programs and initiatives happening across the Bethpage School District.

Math Olympiad students played the math game Adsumudi with board members during the meeting.

Levittown Easter Egg Hunt Local artists invited to showcase at “Art in the Park”

Town seeks counselors for Summer Recreation program

The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking counselors ages 16 and older for the 2024 Summer Recreation Program. The six-week program provides a rewarding employment experience for counselors as they work with children and make a difference.

“This great summer job is ideal for residents age 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

“Our summer recreation counselors get real-world experience while having fun, making memories, and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Applicants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning July 1 through August 9. Orientation will take place the week of June 24. Summer Recreation Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, mak -

The Town of Oyster Bay invites local artists and artisans to display and sell their hand-crafted goods at a special day of “Art in the Park.” Applications are now available for the event which will be held on Saturday, May 18, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay.

“Art in the Park offers local artists and artisans an amazing opportunity to showcase their best work for the public and gain local notoriety,” said Town Councilman Steve Labriola. “Art in the Park is certain to attract hundreds of families and seniors as the event also features live music, food trucks and activities for kids.”

Participants must be 18 or older, and display and sell only their

original pieces. No commercial or mass-produced items are permitted. Artists must supply their own 10x10 canopy and additional items required for their space. Additional details and associated costs are provided on the application, available on the Town’s website.

Art in the Park is run by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division. The event focuses on hand-crafted goods, including ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculpture and more. Artist applications available on the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/capa or by calling (516) 797-7932.

Drive collects professional clothing for veterans

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads is teaming up with Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 to help young veterans in need of professional clothes. Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 is a local organization dedicated to supporting and honoring our military service members and their families. As a group of mothers who have sons and daughters who are currently serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces, they understand the importance of providing resources and support to those who have bravely served our country.

ing being a counselor a great first job for many residents.

Employment opportunities are offered at Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa), Plainview-Old Bethpage and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.

“The Town has positions available for counselors, coordinators, leaders and assistant leaders at all locations, especially at our north shore facilities at Theodore Roosevelt Park and Tappen Beach,” said Councilman Labriola. “Spots fill quickly and we encourage all interested residents to fill out an application today.”

For more information, prospective counselors should contact Town’s Department of Parks at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation.

From March 1 through April 1, Senator Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 will be collecting professional clothes to support young veterans in New York looking to start their professional careers and dress for success. New or lightly used dress clothes will be accepted like dress shirts, dress pants, ties, suits, overcoats, sports jackets, blazers, dress socks, dress shoes, vests, and belts. This initiative aims to not only provide these young veterans with the necessary attire to succeed in their job interviews and professional settings, but also to show our support and appreciation for their service to our country. State Senator Steve Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these young veterans and help them transition into civilian life with confidence and success. Senator Rhoads encourages everyone to take a moment to clean out their closets and donate to this worthy cause, because

every little bit helps in making a difference in the lives of our veterans. He also thanks Verity Van Lines for their support in providing the collection boxes to make this drive successful.  Senator Rhoads said, “We are going to make it a March to remember our military heroes! Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and it is our duty to support them in any way we can. This professional clothing drive is just one small way we can give back to those who have given so much. The drive will not only benefit the veterans, but it will also bring the community together to support our heroes as well as serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and the importance of giving back to those who have defended our country.”

There are 5 drop off locations for residents to drop off professional clothes:

• Seaford Public Library (2234 Jackson Ave # A, Seaford, NY 11783)

• Bellmore Memorial Library (2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, NY)

• Wantagh Public Library (3285 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793)

• Levittown Public Library (1 Bluegrass Ln, Levittown, NY 11756)

• Senator Rhoads District Office (4236 Merrick Road, First Floor, Massapequa, NY 11758)

For more information on Senator Rhoads’ Professional Clothing Drive for Veterans or any legislative matter, please contact Senator Rhoads’ District Office a 516-882-0630 or rhoads@nysenate.gov.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) greeted the Stone family of Levittown during the Levittown Memorial Park Easter Egg Hunt on March 16.

Boys and Girls Club receives grant

The Hicksville Boys and Girls Club would like to thank The Nassau County Bar Association's We Care Fund for their generous grant of $ 6,000 to support its Afterschool Program. This funding will provide a safe supervised environment where teenagers can interact with their peers during the high risk hours of when school ends and parents/guardians return from work.In the photograph from left to right are: Immediate Past President Rosalia Baiamonte, WE CARE Co-Chair Joseph Lo Piccolo, Hicksville Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Thomas Bruno and Nassau County Bar Association President Sanford Strenger.

Lee Avenue School f ifth graders celebrate Pi Day

Fifth graders at Lee Avenue in Hicksville playing “PieFace” to celebrate this year’s Pi Day that was on March 14.

Randomly selected fifth grade students along with staff and parent volunteers at Lee Avenue Elementary in Hicksville celebrated March 14th Pi Day by participating in a memorable mathematical contest with the entire student body watching and cheering them on. Four participants at a time were invited to sit front and center in the school’s cafeteria and answer math

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

problems. With only five seconds to calculate each math problem in their head, participants were either safe from a whip cream “PieFace” with a correct answer or had to roll the dice to turn the “PieFace” dial that number of times.  Each round of play was quick moving and ended when someone got whip cream in the face!

Town plans Homeowners Cleanup, hazmat disposal days

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that its S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days will return for 2024 with dates scheduled for weekends in April and May. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old

Bethpage. S.T.O.P. Program - Saturday, April 6 & May 4, from 9 a.m. –4 p.m. : Collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged);  automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent

bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”

Homeowners Cleanup Days

– Saturday, April 20 & May 18, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. : Collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required — oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

“Many of our residents take the opportunity to clean out their yards in the summer months and may have large amounts of non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”

Free Paper Shredding Services

- Saturday, April 20 & May 18, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. : Provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

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